Need for workers emphasized as part of Manufacturer’s Week

_{By Troy Krause
Editor
Posted Oct. 26, 2013 @ 12:01 am}

Manufacturing is an important part of the local economy.

That was the message shared with local business leaders Tuesday morning at the Redwood Area Hospital when the annual Redwood County breakfast was held as part of Minnesota Manufacturer’s Week.

“Thank you for all you do,”?said Julie Rath of the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC). “You are making a positive impact in our county and in the entire region.”

While the message of appreciation was emphasized during the recognition event, a bigger issue continued to rise to the top. For manufacturing to continue to be a success in the region it needs more people to fill its jobs.

Finding employees is a constant struggle, especially as rural areas see population declines when young graduates see the bright lights of the big city and leave the area.

A recent welding class offered locally is one effort being made to try and help meet the needs of local employers.

Chett Bisel of Redwood Metal Works said his company is seeing tremendous growth, and they have already hired one of the welders from that class and are looking to hire another.

Denis Myhrberg of the Workforce Council said she is working with Rath on an idea that would bring employers together on a regular basis to talk about issues, such as employment recruitment, so they can address them as a whole and can network with each other.